Page 32 of Game Changer
She smiles brightly, as if his insult is actually a compliment, and wiggles her fingers for him to leave. “All the time. Bye, Mark.”
When the door slams shut behind him, she twists the lock again and says, “Sorry about him. He’s so fucking extra.”
“I think it was really sweet. He seems into you.”
Her nose wrinkles in disgust. “Mark?God, no. He just likes to feel useful with his hulk-like body. Showing up to drive me home was for him, not for me.”
“Didn’t seem that way.”
“Trust me,” she says. “It’s not like that.”
“Then what is it like? You need to clarify that statement.”
She sighs like this is her thousandth time telling this story. “My dad took him in when he was a freshman in high school. At the time, Mark didn’t have anyone to raise him, so my dad made our home a place Mark could call his own. It was sweet of him, but . . .” She shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t need Mark acting like my knight in shining armor. Oranyman, for that matter.”
I shrug as we head down the hallway to the office. “All I’m saying is I wish a man would show up to make sure I got home okay. It’s thoughtful.”
“Oh god. Don’t tell me you’re into the romantic, sappy shit.”
Is it so wrong to want to be treated like a princess? Love notes, outlandish displays of affection, gifts for no reason. Some girls say theyaren’t like other girls, but me? I’m a cookie cutter for what some people define as aclichéwoman. I love Starbucks. Makeup and designer bags call to the depths of my soul. I’m obsessed with the color pink and think rom-coms are the greatest thing to ever exist. I’m naive when it comes to self-protection.
And sue me if a man showing up to take someone home has my knees buckling in response.
“Let’s just say Lifetime movies are my favorite pastime. Still want me in your circle?”
Tabi grabs her purse off the desk. “I’ll deal with it. You don’t have a car, right?”
“No. It’s only a ten-minute walk to the dorm, though. I’ll be fine.”
With a roll of her eyes, she flings an arm over my shoulder as we walk to the exit. “You’re in luck tonight. I’ll be the man of your dreams and drive you home.”
It’s only when Tabi starts her car that I have a chance to look at my phone. I have three unread text messages, all from the same person.
EthanHey, do you need a ride home? I just thought I’d offer since you don’t have a car. It’s dark outside, and I don’t feel comfortable with you walking home alone
EthanNot that you’re mine or anything to look after. I’d feel that way about any woman walking home alone downtown
EthanPlease ignore the previous texts. Just let me know when you make it back safely
I’m smiling like a downright idiot on the way back to the dorm, and it’s at this moment that I realize my dream man has always existed. Ethan Davis is the one for me, and with every sweet gesture, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Sixteen
Ethan
CameronWho needs Vogue when I have this gem?
EthanHow the hell did you get that picture?
CameronMaya sent it to Maddie, who, of course, sent it to me
EthanDON’T SHOW IT TO ANYONE
CameronWhy not? You look hot with makeup. I’d bang you
EthanTell Maddie she’s a brat for sending it to you
CameronSorry, but that word will never leave my lips when it comes to your sister. I can think of some other ones she enjoys, though . . . ;)
